AYE 2027 Brookside K-12 Handbook.docx

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Guiding Statements & Philosophies​

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Doctrinal & Belief Statements​

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Statement of Faith​

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Statement of Beliefs​

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Student Expectations​

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Discipline Policy​

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General Guidelines​

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Classroom Discipline​

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Office Visits for Overt Behavior​

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Potential Discipleship Opportunities​

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Re-Admittance​

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Electronic Device Policy​

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Cheating and Plagiarism​

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Uniform Policy​ Dress Code Violations​

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Our Program​

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Philosophy of Grading​

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Assessment & Grading Protocol​

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Individual Grades​

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Group Project Grades​

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Failing and Retakes​

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Expected Homework Load​

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Parent Communication​

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Parent Partnership​

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Holidays Celebrated​

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Classical Discussions​

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Health & Wellness​

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Academic Schedule​

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Attendance​

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Tardies​

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Enrollment Policy​

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Tuition​

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Tuition Assistance​

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Evaluations​

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Anti-Discrimination & ADA Statement​

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Guiding Statements & Philosophies The Mission Our mission is to partner with parents endeavoring to shepherd their children in spiritual discipline, to coach them in mastering academic skills and to equip them to passionately pursue Truth, recognize beauty, and know good from evil.

The Vision At Brookside Christian Academy, our greatest aim is to teach and reflect God's unfathomable love. We desire a school culture that delights in His character, where joy is the ethos of our community. We seek teachers who lay down their lives for their students, and students who learn to serve rather than take.

These core tenets shape our vision, and we believe that sound doctrine must be the foundation for all of it—why we love, why we serve, and why we see Jesus as the only way of salvation.

Our Deep Hope Our deep hope is for our students to place their trust in the Triune God and to glorify Him eternally. We pray that they humbly depend on God, fully submitting to His authority, and walk with assurance in their personal relationship with Him throughout their lives. We hope our students show resilience, that even when they "walk through the valley of the shadow of death," they "fear no evil" (Psalm 23), and face trials with joy. We pray they love the Lord, love their neighbors as themselves, and love their enemies, recognizing when they don’t and thereby confessing their sin. We pray that our students find their complete identity in Jesus Christ, enabling them to lay down their lives for others.

Philosophy of Education Our philosophy of education is grounded in the belief that all knowledge and learning must begin with and be directed toward God, who is the source of all truth, goodness, and beauty. As Scripture commands, we seek to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), teaching future generations to do the same with diligence and purpose (Deuteronomy 6:7). Education is not merely a means to an end but a pursuit worthy of humanity as image-bearers of God, reflecting His creativity, order, and rationality.

Rooted in the classical tradition, we embrace the Liberal Arts as a proven framework for equipping students with the tools of learning through the trivium—the art of words—and the quadrivium—the art of numbers. This approach fosters discernment, cultivates virtue, and prepares students to seek understanding in all areas of life. Our goal is to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—in partnership with families, so that each student develops wisdom, virtue, and the capacity to glorify God and serve others in any vocation. Education, for us, is a generational stewardship, standing on the

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wisdom of those who came before us while preparing students to advance God’s kingdom for generations to come.

Overall Philosophy of the Quadrivium The Quadrivium, a cornerstone of the seven Liberal Arts, provides a framework for understanding the cosmos and all of God’s creation. Beginning with arithmetic, students master the language of numbers, progressing to geometry, where numbers are studied in space, and then to music, the exploration of numbers in time. This journey culminates in the study of the cosmos—numbers in both space and time—cultivating a deeper understanding of the order and beauty of creation. By engaging with the Quadrivium, students are equipped to perceive the intricate harmony of the world and its Creator, fostering both intellectual growth and spiritual insight.

Philosophy of Mathematics Mathematics is foundational to interpreting the world, as it reveals objective truth through problem-solving and provable answers. By mastering arithmetic, students develop fluency in the language of numbers, building skills that enable them to think critically and logically. This intentional focus on numerical understanding allows students to see math not merely as an academic subject but as a universal language that reflects the order and design of God’s creation.

Philosophy of Science The study of science deepens students’ understanding of God’s design and, ultimately, of God Himself.

Through hands-on experiments and observation of nature, students are inspired with a holy curiosity for the world around them. Foundational scientific skills—such as forming hypotheses, making observations, and drawing conclusions—are cultivated with the understanding that all truth is God’s truth. By approaching science with anticipation and reverence, students uncover the divine order in creation, enriching their knowledge of both the physical world and the Creator who sustains it.

Philosophy of Music Music, as a universal language, communicates emotions and truths that resonate with the soul. At Brookside Christian Academy, students learn to appreciate the beauty of music and its intrinsic components, such as rhythm, harmony, and balance. Rooted in mathematical precision, music theory enables students to understand both the concrete and the nuanced aspects of musical expression.

Through learning and performing music, students condition their bodies, souls, and minds toward Christ, using music as a means to glorify and reflect His beauty and order.

Philosophy of Humanities At Brookside Christian Academy, we emphasize the study of humanities as a means of exploring the image-bearers of God throughout history and literature. The humanities are the study of people—their 4

hearts, thoughts, actions, and purposeful intentions—and how they interact with one another. By examining individuals and groups across time, students seek to understand human intention while recognizing God’s sovereignty interwoven through every moment. This perspective invites students to discern the complexities of humanity while grounding their understanding in the truth of Scripture, which is integrated into every aspect of study.

Philosophy of Bible and Theological Teaching At Brookside Christian Academy, we diligently teach the Word of God, ensuring it permeates every part of school life—whether in classrooms, hallways, or daily interactions. Students are equipped to be Biblically fluent, learning to take every thought captive to the Word of God and rightly divide the truth.

We desire for students to see their lives as part of God’s grand narrative, understanding Scripture as God-breathed, inerrant, and central to all learning.

We will incorporate historical church documents, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Shorter Catechism, as foundational resources in theological instruction throughout the school.

Philosophy of History The study of history at Brookside Christian Academy reveals patterns of human behavior and serves as a testament to the truth of God’s Word. By examining the past through original sources (when age appropriate), students are challenged to discern how to live faithfully in the present. History demonstrates humanity’s need for a Savior and testifies to God’s faithfulness to redeem and transform those who trust in His promises. Through this lens, students gain a deeper understanding of the intersection of human choices and divine sovereignty. God is the author of history (Isaiah 46:10) and the Bible is the only source of infallible history.

Philosophy of Literature Literature provides a lens to recognize the human condition and understand our place in God’s grand story. By engaging with fiction, non-fiction, and source texts, students gain insight into the complexities of life and the omniscient perspective of the author. Literature offers a space to experience the innocence of observation while exercising discernment in the face of tension and conflict. At Brookside Christian Academy, all chosen literature is intentional, designed to cultivate a God-centered perspective and train students in wisdom and discernment.

Philosophy of Language At Brookside Christian Academy, students study Latin after mastering foundational English grammar, fostering a deep understanding of language. Latin, a structured and logical language, strengthens critical thinking, reinforces grammar, and enriches vocabulary through its influence on legal, medical, and Romance languages. It connects students to the legacy of Western civilization, as the language of 5

Rome—the culture into which Christ entered—and the vehicle of foundational Christian texts. This historical and theological significance equips students to engage with primary sources, broadening their grasp of Christian thought and the enduring truths of the faith.

Philosophy of Art Art reflects the creativity of God, the ultimate Creator, and offers a window into other times and cultures.

At Brookside Christian Academy, students learn to see art as a means of glorifying God by imitating His creation. Recognizing that humans are made in God’s image, students are encouraged to create and appreciate beauty, understanding that artistic expression mirrors God’s creative nature. Through this process, they honor the Creator while developing their own God-given artistic abilities.

Philosophy of Physical Education We believe in whole child learning, which nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. The education of the child is not limited to academic instruction, but also includes their physical education. Formal physical education will take place on Fridays and will educate our students in both the primary sports of our culture and fitness activities. In addition, our campus will promote free play during recess and intentional gross motor skill exercises into the classroom. We aim for students to develop curiosity and confidence in their physical abilities, opening up a wide variety of opportunities as they progress toward adulthood.

Ultimately, we aim to equip students to honor God with their bodies and minds.

Doctrinal & Belief Statements Brookside Christian Academy desires to attract families, students, and staff from across Orthodox Christian traditions. The following statements of faith and beliefs shape the boundaries of our theological identity and Christian practice for the purpose of unity in Christ. These statements establish those primary doctrines taught with authority within our school community. We defer other secondary doctrines (e.g. church governance, the sacraments, gifts of the Spirit, etc.) to the families and their local churches for final authority.

Statement of Faith The Scriptures The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. It is the final authority for all matters of faith and practice, revealing God’s will and the way of salvation. The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments alone are divinely inspired, complete, and sufficient for life and godliness. The Holy Spirit guides interpretation, and Scripture must be understood in light of itself. God has preserved His Word through the ages, ensuring its purity and reliability. 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:105 2. Revelation 22:18–19, Psalm 119:130, Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25.

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The Godhead There is one true God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each fully and equally God, yet distinct in role. Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14.

The Father, God We believe in God the Father, the creator and sustainer of all things. He is sovereign over all creation, and works all things according to His will. In love, He planned and accomplished a plan for the redemption of humanity by sending His Son to save the world and His Spirit to dwell within those who believe. As Creator and Sustainer, He gives life and breath to everything, and it is in Him that we “live and move and have our being.” Genesis 1:1, Isaiah 46:9–10; Ephesians 1:11, John 6:44; Galatians 4:4–6, Acts 17:25 & 2

The Son, Jesus Christ Eternally begotten of the Father, fully God and fully man. Jesus was supernaturally conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He was characterized by mighty works, signs, and wonders performed in the power of the Holy Spirit. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, was buried and on the third day He rose bodily from the dead, showing His resurrected body to His disciples before ascending to heaven and being seated at the right hand of the Father. He alone mediates between God and man and will return to judge the living and the dead. Galatians 4:4–6, John 1:1–3; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3, Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23, Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:3; Luke 24:39; Romans 8:34, 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 7:25, Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 20:11–15

The Holy Spirit We believe that God the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin and regenerates, baptizes, indwells, seals, and sets apart believers unto a holy life; keeps and empowers believers to obey God’s commands day by day; is the Teacher of the Word of God and the Guide for daily living; and is the Comforter, the One who manifests God’s presence in the life of believers. John 16:8-11, 1 Cor 12:12-14, 2 Cor 3:6, Romans 8:9, Eph 5:18

Creation & The Fall of Man We believe that man was created by a direct and intentional act of God in His image, not from previously existing life, that all men sinned in Adam (the historical father of the entire human race) and thus incurred both physical and spiritual death. All mankind are alienated from the life of God, are

spiritually dead, and cannot enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of the Holy Spirit through belief in the atoning work of Jesus. Genesis 1:26-27, Rom 3:22-23, 5:12, Eph 2:1-3,12, John 3:3, Eph. 2:1-10

Salvation Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Salvation is a gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. Christ’s atoning death satisfies divine justice against sin and thus reconciles sinners to God. Good works do not contribute to salvation but are the evidence of genuine faith. Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 3:28; Acts 4:12; John 6:44 Romans 3:25–28; 1 John 2:2; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; Colossians 1:21–22; Ephesians 2:8–10; Titus 3:5, Romans 11:6; James 2:17. Romans 10:9-10

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Sanctification Sanctification is the process of ever increasing Christlikeness. We believe that the Holy Spirit sanctifies the hearts of believers by removing the corruption of sin and working to make us more like Christ, enabling us to do good works and to live lives exemplified by the fruits of the spirit. Sanctification is a “long obedience in the same direction.”* It unfolds as a lifelong process in which the Holy Spirit works to conform believers in Christ’s image until we see him face to face. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Ephesians 4:24; I Corinthians 10:13; II Corinthians 5:17, 7:1; I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 2:11; *Eugene Peterson

Resurrection & Eternal Life We believe in the bodily return of Jesus Christ to earth as the Judge of all humankind; the bodily resurrection of the just to the eternal presence and joys of God; and the bodily resurrection of the unjust to everlasting punishment, banished from the presence of God. John 5:28, 29 2. Colossians 3:4.

The Church We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers it’s n our Lord Jesus Christ as expressed through the church, the body of Christ. The church is both universal (invisible), encompassing all believers across time, while also functioning through visible, organized assemblies. The Church exists to glorify God by growing in unity, maturity, and love and continuing the work of Christ in the world through the proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel. John 17:20-23 2. Acts 2:42–47; Hebrews 10:24–25 3. Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 4:12-13

Secondary Doctrines Secondary doctrines are those doctrines which reflect distinctive denominational differences in otherwise historically-orthodox Christians. These differences include proper recipients of baptism (paedobaptism or credobaptism), expression of spiritual gifts (continuationism or cessationism), views of the end times (premillennialism, amillennialism, postmillennialism), age of the earth, etc. Read here for more information pertaining to secondary issues.

These are not unimportant doctrines and may be discussed and even challenged as students progress in maturity. In the secondary years, these discussions will be presented without bias from the instructor for the purpose of encouraging robust discussion and debate so that students learn to interrogate Scripture, seek truth, and debate in a manner that demonstrates love for their neighbor.

Statement of Beliefs (those which the family and faculty must agree to uphold) Brookside believes that all matters of faith and conduct must be evaluated on the basis of the Holy Scripture, the Old and New Testaments (“Holy Scripture”), which is our infallible guide. Because Holy Scripture does speak to the nature of human beings and their sexuality, it is imperative that we correctly 8

understand and articulate what Holy Scripture teaches on these matters. We are committed to the home and family as set forth in Holy Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16–17

On Gender Brookside believes that God created mankind in His image: male (man) and female (woman), sexually different but with equal personal dignity. Consequently, we believe that professing Christians should affirm their biological sex and refrain from any and all attempts to physically change, alter, or disagree with their predominant biological sex. Genesis 1:26-28, Romans 1:26-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

On Marriage Brookside believes God has ordained and created marriage to exist between one man and one woman, with absolute life-long marital fidelity, including but not limited to premarital sexual relations, cohabitation etc. It is our firm conviction that we uphold the dignity of each individual and their respective Biblical roles in marriage as we embrace the unchanging and long standing principles of scriptural truth. Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, Matthew 19:4-9, Mark 10:5- 9, Ephesians 5:31-33

On Sexuality Brookside believes that God created and ordered human sexuality to the permanent, exclusive, comprehensive, and conjugal “one flesh” union of man and woman, ordered to procreation and biological family, and in furtherance of the moral, spiritual, and public good of binding father, mother, and child.

Consequently, we believe that professing Christians should resist and refrain from any and all same-sex romantic relationships, sexual acts, or lifestyles. Genesis 1:27, Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6, Mark 10:5-9, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9, Revelation 21:2

On Sanctity of Human Life We believe that all human life is sacred and created by God in his image. Human life is of immeasurable worth in all its dimensions, including pre-born babies of all gestational ages, the aged, the physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition from conception through physical death. We are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. We believe this is the starting point for all discussions related to the sanctity of life and the imago Dei. Genesis 9:6; Psalm 139; Proverbs 24:11-12; Matthew 6:26; Luke 12:6-7

Brookside’s Statement Of Faith and Statement of Beliefs outline what Brookside Christian Academy agrees to believe together in an effort to be unified as a Christ centered Academic community.

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Student Expectations Excellence At Brookside Christian Academy students strive to pursue what is true, good, and beautiful in academics, relationships, and all endeavors. By giving their best effort in every task, they honor God and reflect His glory through a commitment to excellence.

Gratitude At Brookside Christian Academy students cultivate a heart of thankfulness, recognizing that all they have is a gift from God. They embrace both challenges and blessings with joy and humility, expressing gratitude in all circumstances.

Discipline At Brookside Christian Academy students demonstrate self-control and perseverance by completing their work with diligence and integrity. They steward their time, talents, and responsibilities in a way that glorifies God and serves others.

Respect At Brookside Christian Academy students treat others with kindness and dignity, acknowledging them as image-bearers of Christ. They foster a community of trust and care through respectful speech, actions, and interactions.

Discipline Policy “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” –Hebrews 12:11 At Brookside Christian Academy, we recognize that the purpose of discipline is to foster love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:30–31). Discipline is essential to discipleship and aims not merely to modify outward behavior but to train the heart to love Jesus. Heart change is the ultimate goal of discipline.

General Guidelines Discipline is administered with consideration of the severity, situation, and attitude of the student.

Teachers, and when necessary, the administration (e.g., Head of School), will determine appropriate 10

disciplinary measures in accordance with these guidelines. All disciplinary actions are carried out with the hope of restoration and in a spirit of love.

Classroom Discipline God is a God of order, and our teachers foster this order through classroom discipleship (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). Students are expected to behave in ways that reflect respect for their teachers and classmates, particularly as it relates to loving God and neighbor. Minor disruptions or inappropriate behavior will typically be addressed within the classroom, including: ●​ Minor classroom disruptions ●​ Nuisance behavior toward the teacher or other students ●​ Inappropriate use of classroom materials Students will be given three opportunities to correct their behavior. If these opportunities are exhausted, an office visit will be required, during which consequences will be assigned and parents will be notified.

Office Visits for Overt Behavior Certain overt behaviors require administrative intervention and parent involvement. In severe cases, immediate pickup or suspension may be necessary. Collaboration between teachers and parents is critical; without such partnership, the student may need to be unenrolled. Examples of overt behaviors include: ●​ Flagrant disrespect toward staff ●​ Dishonesty (lying, cheating, stealing) ●​ Defiance or consistent rebellion ●​ Fighting or bullying (including cyberbullying) ●​ Vandalism or theft ●​ Endangering others ●​ Inappropriate language or conduct ●​ Substance abuse or possession of weapons or illicit substances Degrees of Discipline: Discipline will depend on the severity of the offense and may result in expulsion following a disciplinary hearing.

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Potential Discipleship Opportunities Office visits provide an opportunity for growth, reflection, and restoration through activities, directed by the Head of School such as: ●​ Helping Care for Our Spaces: Cleaning and tidying shared areas ●​ Building Physical Endurance: Structured physical activities like wall sits or jumping jacks ●​ Reflective and Restorative Actions: Writing reflection notes, apologizing, or practicing positive behaviors ●​ Temporary Privilege Adjustments: Surrendering privileges to reinforce responsibility ●​ At-Home Reflection: Taking a break for the remainder of the day when necessary

Re-Admittance Students who are expelled or withdraw to avoid expulsion may appeal for re-admission through a discipline hearing with parents, teachers, and school administration. The appeal for re-admission must include a plan to avoid the same behavior which led to the expulsion or withdrawal. A council, appointed by the board, in consultation with the Head of School, will evaluate the student’s attitude and circumstances before making a decision.

Electronic Device Policy Personal Devices Personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, smartwatches) are prohibited on campus during school hours.

Devices may be brought to school but must be checked in at the office. ●​ First Violation: Device confiscated and released to a parent/guardian ●​ Second Violation: Parent conference with administration ●​ Third Violation: Disciplinary hearing Laptops are permitted for academic purposes only, under direct teacher supervision. Brookside Christian Academy is not responsible for the use, damage, theft, or loss of personal devices.

Electronic Books Reading on electronic media or listening to audio books for school assigned reading is not permitted without an approved exception.

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Cheating and Plagiarism Cheating: Using or appearing to use (through looking at another’s paper or asking a question during an assessment) dishonest or deceptive means to obtain credit for work or improve performance. This includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) Plagiarism: Using another’s work without acknowledgment First offenses result in a grade of 0 and parent notification. A second offense will lead to an Education Council review.

Uniform Policy Brookside Christian Academy is committed to a uniform clothing policy for its students, recognizing that humans are both physical and spiritual beings made in the image of God. The way students dress is an expression of stewardship of their bodies and regard for others. Uniforms eliminate subjective standards of dress, ensure modesty, and allow the school to focus on academics instead of attire. To view our uniform policy, please see this link.

Dress Code Violations Dress code violations that cannot be corrected in class will be addressed as follows: 1.​ Parents notified via ClassReach using a Dress Code Violation Form 2.​ After four violations, an office visit is required 3.​ On the fifth violation in a semester, the student will be sent home 4.​ Subsequent violations will be treated as office visits under the discipline policy

Our Program 4-Day (Core) Plan The Core educational plan is held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, where professional, in-class instruction is given; while parent-supervised, in-home instruction is given on Fridays.

5-Day (Core and Enrichment) Plan Our 5-Day educational plan is a Monday–Friday, in-class schedule taught by professional educators.

Core instruction will be provided on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Fridays are 13

Enrichment days, during which students engage in Fine Arts, STEM projects, recreational activities, and field trips in the afternoons.

Philosophy of Grading Conduct Items ●​ Speaks at the appropriate time ●​ Respects authority ●​ Respects others ●​ Completes work on time ●​ Works hard when faced with something difficult ●​ Shows initiative ●​ Follows directions ●​ Comes prepared to class ●​ Stays focused on task ●​ Seeks forgiveness when wrong ●​ Patient with others

Primary & Secondary Weighted Categories ●​ 30% Practice Work ●​ 70% Magnum Opus*

Primary Grading Mastery

90+

Good Understanding

80–89

Beginning to Understand

70–79

Not Understanding

0–69

Secondary & Secondary Prep Grading Percentage

Letter Grade

GPA

Mastery

95–100

A+

4.0

Approaching Mastery

90–94

A

3.9

Solid Understanding

85–89

B+

3.7 14

Competent Understanding

80–84

B

3.3

Competent but Struggling

75–79

C+

2.9

Limited Understanding

70–74

C

2.5

Not Ready to Progress

0–69

F

0

Assessment & Grading Protocol Humanities ●​ Soft grading throughout the week on various writing and speaking assignments ●​ Magnum Opus* for each week that is graded in the gradebook (may be written or oral) ●​ Assessment at the end of each book that includes: ●​ Grammar section ●​ Logic section ●​ Rhetoric section *Magnum Opus: “greatest work”; after practice and coaching, the student will submit their greatest work to that point in their learning, which will be a grade in the gradebook.

Mathematics ●​ 1 hard grade* per week of homework/practice work ●​ 1 assessment every other week as a hard grade* ●​ Examinations are 70% of the final grade ●​ Homework, practicums, and projects are 30% of the final grade (group or individual)

Science ●​ 1 hard grade* per week of homework/practice work ●​ 1 assessment every other week as a hard grade* ●​ Examinations are 70% of the final grade ●​ Homework, practicums, and projects are 30% of the final grade (group or individual)

Music & Art ●​ 1 hard grade* per week of homework/practice work ●​ 1 assessment every other week as a hard grade*

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Latin ●​ 1 hard grade* per week of homework/practice work ●​ 1 assessment every other week as a hard grade* ●​ Examinations are 70% of the final grade ●​ Homework, practicums, and projects are 30% of the final grade (group or individual) *Hard grade: after practicing, the child will be assessed on mastery or improvement.

Final Assessments Semester 1 ●​ Review Week (2 weeks before Christmas Break) ●​ Finals Week (the week prior to Christmas Break)

Semester 2 ●​ Review Week (2 weeks before summer break) ●​ Finals Week (1 week before summer break)

Individual Grades Brookside Christian Academy will use a unique method of grading that ensures students have time to “practice” before they receive a grade. Therefore, regular feedback within the scope of the class regarding new concepts will be given and “practice” grades will be recorded within the gradebook. We may sometimes refer to these as “soft grades.” Magnum Opus assignments (best work), that will more greatly affect overall standings, will also be recorded for transcript purposes. We may sometimes call this “hard grading.” Consistent with educating the whole child, both attitude and effort will be considered within our grading systems.

Group Project Grades “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” –1 Thessalonians 5:14 Group projects are a part of coursework, and it should be expected that grading of these will not be individualized because we believe that character in community reveals the heart. As Brookside Christian Academy cares even more about the heart than the academics, group projects allow teachers to see where character work is needed. Since we are preparing students for life, not just college, character in Christian community is integral to “loving God and loving neighbor” (Matthew 22:36–40).

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Failing and Retakes Retakes will be left to the teacher’s discretion. A student who has simply failed for a lack of understanding may be given another opportunity to prove their understanding after further practice. A student who neglected their studies, and therefore failed, may not be given a retake opportunity.

If a student fails an entire course, the student, parents, and teacher will meet with the Education Council to determine the best course of action for the student. Circumstances, understanding of directions and effort will all be taken into consideration.

Parents will be notified within three weeks of the end of the grading period if their student is in jeopardy of failing.

Expected Homework Load Age Group

Tuesday & Wednesday Thursday (due Tuesday, (after school homework) completed over weekend)

Lower Primary K–3

15–30 minutes

2–3 hours

Upper Primary 4–5

40 minutes

3–4 hours

Secondary Prep 6–8

45–60 minutes

4–6 hours

Secondary 9+

1 hour

5–8 hours

Grades at Brookside Christian Academy do not in any way reflect the immeasurable worth and value of each child made in God’s image, but rather they are a reflection of the quality of work in a given field of study at a given time. At Brookside Christian Academy, grades serve three basic purposes: 1.​ To help students to improve 2.​ To determine the best placement level considering academic ability 3.​ To provide a just and legitimate means of holding students accountable for the quality of their work Grades provide a widely understood means of communicating progress and achievement to parents and other parties such as college entrance boards or other schools to which the young student may transfer.

Parent Communication ●​ Grades will be communicated through ClassReach 17

●​ Conduct items will be entered prior to the Fall and Spring Parent Partnership Meetings ●​ A parent partnership meeting will be held in the fall and the spring. Please see our calendar for dates. Teachers will contact parents if a student is struggling academically or socially ●​ Please use ClassReach as the best way to communicate important information with the staff

Parent Partnership At Brookside Christian Academy, we recognize that parents are ultimately responsible for the education and flourishing of their children. We believe that educators are facilitators and advisors as parents pursue this important work. It is our desire that parents find opportunities to contribute to the life of the school through volunteering according to their gifts and abilities. We do not have a requirement for hours, but we hope to develop a robust community that thrives upon such parental involvement.

Ultimately, we would love to see parents contribute around 20 volunteer hours per year.

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled as needed. We encourage teachers and parents to communicate regularly about how the student is doing and to schedule formal meetings as needed.

Teachers may be contacted through ClassReach outside of regular working hours. When addressing any concerns, parents should copy the Head of School to keep the school informed of classroom circumstances. Teachers will do the same when addressing concerns via emails with parents.

If you have a concern about curriculum content, Brookside Christian Academy policy, or philosophy, communicate with the Head of School. If you have questions about the weekly workings of a particular classroom (e.g., homework load), contact the Lead Teacher through ClassReach. At no time should an individual student’s problem be addressed to non-involved parties. In the great majority of cases, if you have worked patiently and in good faith, with the teacher and directors, you will find a satisfactory resolution.

Please follow Matthew 18:15 to determine the proper order of communication: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Church Involvement: It is the expectation that the families at Brookside Christian Academy would be actively involved in a local church. Where it is offered, families should not only be attendees, but members of their church, submitting to both the authority of their local pastor and the accountability from fellow members and leadership. Where membership is not an option, BCA families should be active members in their church, defined by regular attendance to the weekly worship service and active participation in community events, such that the family is known and engaged with their local body of

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believers. The pastors of a non-membership church will still be considered authoritative in all matters of church discipline and teaching (Hebrews 13:17).

Holidays Celebrated At Brookside Christian Academy we celebrate the following Holidays: 1.​ Christmas 2.​ Thanksgiving 3.​ Jesus’ death—Good Friday 4.​ Jesus’ resurrection—Easter Sunday

Classical Discussions ●​ Encourage and challenge students to think and be discerning on all matters according to the truth of God’s Word ●​ Foster a classroom environment, especially at the secondary level, of love, respect, and charity among students ●​ Encourage students to charitably present the various sides of a secondary issue ●​ Seek to maintain unity among our students and families according to our Statement of Faith and by not teaching Secondary doctrines as primary and not disparaging secondary doctrinal beliefs that are contrary to their personal convictions ●​ Encourage students to seek the support and instruction of their parents and their local church

Health & Wellness Lunch Students will bring packed lunches to be eaten in their classroom or outside if the weather permits.

Please pack lunches that do not have to be heated or refrigerated. Please alert us of any severe allergies so that we are aware (please provide an epinephrine pen if severe reactions occur). At Brookside Christian Academy, we value health and wellness, so please keep this in mind when packing lunches, as your young students will be learning about nutrition, a balanced diet, etc. A well “fueled” brain enhances the learning experience.

Snacks Parents are welcome to send an easy-to-eat snack (we recommend a nutritious snack) for mid-morning.

Water is the only beverage allowed to accompany snacks.

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Health Records The state of CA requires that we have current immunization records on file for each student. Please see CA law for what vaccines are required and or what exemptions are accepted.

Administration of Medicines Administration may administer over-the-counter medication to the children in their care but only with authorization from the child’s parent or guardian through the ClassReach release form.

We reserve the right to refuse the responsibility of prescription administration for any reason. If this occurs, we will be happy to accommodate parent visits during the day for the purpose of medication administration.

Illness Policy In consideration of your child’s wellness and to prevent the spread of illness to classmates and teachers, we kindly ask that a young student should be symptom-free (without medication) a full 24 hours from the following before returning to onsite classes: ●​ Fever—Temperature of 100 degrees or above without the use of fever-reducing medication ●​ Vomiting/diarrhea ●​ Please do not send children with highly contagious illnesses such as strep, hand/foot/mouth, or pinkeye (to name a few)

Government Agency Requests Brookside Christian Academy values our parent partnership and as such we will notify parents of any interaction with a government agency such as child protective services, as it relates to your child. Our policy is as follows: ●​ Parents will be notified and their presence requested prior to a government agency being allowed to interview a child during school hours ●​ Brookside Christian Academy will do its best to uphold this policy with any government agency but cannot be held liable if we are not able to get a hold of a family member or if the government agency uses legal force to demand the interview

Academic Schedule Calendar The Academic Calendar is located on our website.

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Arrival and Dismissal: Core, Core+ and Enrichment Days ●​ Chapel begins at 8:30 AM, and school ends at 3:00 PM. ●​ Students may arrive between 7:45 and 8:25 AM. ●​ Students may be picked up between 3:00 and 3:15 PM. ●​ A fee will be implemented if there is early arrival or late pick up. Consistent early arrival or late pick up will constitute a meeting with Administration.

Attendance Brookside Christian Academy has intentionally set its vacations, schedule, and structure to allow important time for families. By registering a child in Brookside Christian Academy, the parent or guardian is agreeing to this schedule, and it is loving to the community of students to be in attendance.

Emergencies or important family events arise from time-to-time; therefore students have 6 Core academic days* within each semester for school absences without consequence to their credits unless pre-approvals are arranged. We ask that the Administration be notified as soon as possible for any absences. A student that surpasses 12 days for the year, or a total of 6 days in a semester will be subject to an Education Council review.

For sickness, please notify administration through the ClassReach form provided.

For prolonged periods of absence (to extend beyond the 6 academic days in a semester), please get pre-approval from the Head of School. All work would need to be followed up after the absence and educational packets will not be provided. *Emergency situations will be taken into special consideration.

Tardies A student who arrives later than 8:30 AM is considered tardy. Four tardies within a month will constitute a parent email. A 5th tardy will result in an office visit. Subsequent tardies will be treated as office visits in accordance with the discipline policy.

Enrollment Policy Enrollment Process 1.​ General Inquiry 2.​ Family Interview Request 21

3.​ Admissions Interview 4.​ Assessment of student 5.​ Application 6.​ Enrollment 7.​ Tuition Agreement

Tuition For more information, please see this link.

Tuition Assistance Financial Assistance must be requested by May 1. Families are strongly urged to seek assistance from their family, churches, and friends prior to seeking financial aid. We are partnering in education with families and we operate solely on private funds, therefore every dollar not collected in tuition is a dollar that must be raised through donations. The best advocates for a child are their parents and family.

However, we also do not want finances to be the reason a family does not attend Brookside Christian Academy. Therefore, financial aid may be offered under certain circumstances of extreme need.

Multi-student aid may be available under specified circumstances.

1.​ Applicants will be categorized from the greatest financial need to the least financial need a.​ Financial need will be pre-designated based on a ratio of the number of family members to gross income 2.​ Tuition Assistance Requests will be handled through the Tuition Assistance Committee including initial application and interview

Evaluations 1.​ Teachers will evaluate students regularly for the purpose of assessing skill and knowledge 2.​ Teachers are evaluated unannounced throughout the year 3.​ The administration will be assessed periodically by the staff 4.​ Parents will evaluate the school annually

Anti-Discrimination & ADA Statement Brookside Christian Academy admits students and hires employees without regard to race, color, national origin, or ethnic origin, ensuring equal access to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally available to our school community. We are committed to upholding applicable nondiscriminatory policies in the administration of educational policies, admissions, scholarships, loan 22

programs, athletics, and other school-administered activities. Brookside Christian Academy does not accept federal education funds.

Children diagnosed with a learning disability are welcome to be a part of Brookside Christian Academy as long as they can meet, or be assisted to meet, the discipline standards of the classroom, discussions, and daily routine.

Students applying for admission should have a desire to receive this form of education. We do not mind assisting parents in fostering this desire, but the student needs to at the very least be “willing to be made willing” to be discipled through a Classical Christian education.

Disclaimer: The reader should take notice that while every effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided herein, Brookside Christian Academy reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. Parents will be notified of any changes to the handbook that occur during the current academic year. Brookside Christian Academy provides the information herein solely for the convenience of the reader and, to the extent permissible by law, expressly disclaims any liability which may otherwise be incurred.

General Agreement: All parents and students who are enrolling in Brookside Christian Academy affirm by their application and enrollment their intentional willingness to abide by the Christian conduct (word and deed) presented in this handbook and all other school documents, both expressed and implied. This includes the Statement of Faith, Cultural Issues, and all policies stated herein.

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